Help choosing a Hybrid bike please

[billy1the1kid]

I have recently rediscovered cycling and am in need of a new bike. Previously I used to do various forms of downhill and dirt jumping, however I grew out of that when I was about 16. I'm now predominantly interesting in road cycling, however due to slipping a disc (L4 & L5) in my back nearly 14 months ago the riding position of a road bike does not suit. Thus a hybrid is the perfect compromise due to having flat handle bars and a more suitable riding position.

I have been busy researching potential bikes in my budget of £400 - £600 and have found a few that stand out.
1)Specialized Sirrus Sport
2)Cannondale Quick 4
3)Trek 7.3 FX

From my amateurish perspective the Cannondale seems the best value as it comes with a carbon fork which judging by most reviews definitely helps with the ride and handling. I was just wondering if anyone had any different recommendations or any positive or negative experiences with the bikes suggested above.

Many thanks in advance.

[itsnotarace]

Check out the Giant Rapid as well

[richardxjr]

I have a Rapid and love it. Same frame and kit as Defy which always comes out well in road bike mag tests. Tempted by the £999 Planet X Carbon flat bar jobbie next though.

Because it's a road bike rather than a hybrid, check it's not too stiff for your back. Carbon fork only comes on the top '1' model.

Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 20th March 18:56

[billy1the1kid]

Many thanks, the Rapid has been added to the shortlist. Is there a vast difference between the Rapid 4 and 3 for the price difference?

I did sit on a Specialized Sirrus Sport today which felt comfortable, I enjoy riding with a straight-ish back. Sat on a road bike which was fine until in the descend position covering the brakes which is a bit of stretch and would be uncomfortable on a long ride I fear.

[Deanno1dad]

Check out Scott sub range ..solid bikes

[richardxjr]

billy1the1kid said:

Many thanks, the Rapid has been added to the shortlist. Is there a vast difference between the Rapid 4 and 3 for the price difference?

Ahh, the '13 3 now has a carbon fork by the look of it. They both have triples, so some low gears should help your back on climbs?

[anonymous-user]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/neon-...

Mrs P has one, really well finished, nicely spec'd, good value for money and subtle looks. The best bit? It weighs just over 21lbs.... Guard and rack mounts fitted etc, just a really well thought out and designed bike with no fuss, quite tempted myself but then we would be those husband and wife cycling couples with matching bikes.....

[N88]

How about the Boardman Hybrid Comp? £499.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.ht...

The downside of course being they have to be bought through Halfords.

[uncinqsix]

itsnotarace said:

Check out the Giant Rapid as well

And the Giant Seek 2. I was looking at the Sirrus Sport, but went for the Seek 2 mainly due to the disc brakes (all-weather commuting down a steep hill with lots of blind corners)

[Moominho]

The Sirrus Sport Elite 2012 model is available for sub £500 and that has carbon forks.

[SlimJ]

N88 said:

How about the Boardman Hybrid Comp? £499.

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/hybrid/hybrid_comp.ht...

The downside of course being they have to be bought through Halfords.

I went for the Boardman Team Hybrid, been faultless. Not sure what the problem is with Halfords though, you buy it online, collect instore and build yourself, simple and painless.

[billy1the1kid]

I think I missed the boat on last years reduced models in my size at least.

Going to look at the Giant range this afternoon at a local bike store - spoke to them this morning and he said that I may find the Defy range just as comfortable as Rapid range once I have got used to drop handle bars. Will just have to see what suits me - I'm not convinced but he does have a far superior knowledge of bikes so will see.

Halfords does seem to have a shocking reputation these days, even including their bikes. I thought the chavy ICE systems and fluffy dice were their downfalls, not their bikes.

[anonymous-user]

Nothing wrong with Halfords, Boardman bikes embarrass most of the opposition in the price range. This looks good though (apart for Kona silly name policy):-
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/dr-good-2...

[wiggy001]

I was in a similar position last year and went with a Specialize Sirrus Elite for £500 (2012 model though, the 2013 might be more expensive).

Really pleased with it.

Like you, back problems meant I needed something comfortable and I certainly don't suffer with my back during or after a ride.